Wanderers play for the second time this week at the University of Bolton Stadium with a Sky Bet League One home clash against Oxford United.
The Whites will be aiming to make it three league victories on the spin following recent success against Accrington Stanley and Burton Albion.
Six points from a possible six has moved the Wanderers right back into the thick of the play-off positions. Oxford have had an uncharacteristically slow start to the campaign but Karl Robinson will be hoping that an encouraging midweek point at Portsmouth could propel their form.
Manager quotes:
Ian Evatt: “Oxford are always a difficult challenge and Karl’s teams are open, expansive, and fast in transition. We need to manage those transitional moments and then make sure we’re good and tight with the ball because they press aggressively - counter-press aggressively. And if we can cope with that pressure and play forwards and play smart, then hopefully we can get the 3 points.”
Oxford manager Karl Robinson: [On his suspension from the dugout this weekend] "We are very lucky to have Craig Short, John Mousinho, and Leon Blackmore-Such in the dugout.
“They have that experience, they know what we are all about and I can still be around the dressing room and in the stands so it shouldn't make too much difference to us really.
“I didn't realise I was suspended until the next morning but we have been able to plan and we are in good shape. James Henry should be available again and we will just keep an eye on one or two little things from Tuesday but hopefully, they don't stop anyone from being involved.”
Team news
Wanderers have no new injury concerns coming into Saturday’s clash with Oxford.
Lloyd Isgrove could come back into contention once again after being left out of Tuesday night’s squad and Eoin Toal continues moving closer to full fitness, although he didn’t feature in the B Team’s midweek defeat to Accrington Stanley.
Oxford are without key duo Matty Taylor and Billy Bodin who miss out through suspension, whilst former Wanderer James Henry returns to the squad. The visitors will assess the fitness of Cameron Brannagan and Marcus Browne ahead of their clash in the North West. Yanic Wildschut, Sam Baldock, Oisin Smyth, and Josh Murphy are all missing through injury.
Form guide
Following a disappointing start to October that saw Wanderers beaten in back-to-back games by Cheltenham and Forest Green after victory against Lincoln City, Ian Evatt’s men have won their last two league matches and their last three in all competitions to elevate into 5th position in the table.
Oxford drew 1-1 at Portsmouth at Fratton Park on Tuesday evening and beat Exeter City 4-2 at St. James’ Park a fortnight ago. That win in Devon though was United’s only victory in any competition since the beginning of September. From their 8 away league games this season, Karl Robinson’s side have picked up 7 points.
Officials
Referee: Ollie Yates
Assistant referees: Christopher Ward and Helen Edwards
Fourth official: Aaron Jackson
Kick-off
Saturday 3pm.
Coverage
Live commentary is available with an iFollow audio pass, with a live stream viewable for overseas subscribers. For details click HERE